Wisconsin is renowned for its cheese, beer, and football, but it harbors a darker side as well, with several of its cities grappling with elevated crime rates. According to the most recent FBI crime data, Milwaukee, the state’s largest and most populous city, stands out as the most perilous city in Wisconsin for 2023. This dubious distinction is attributed to its alarming rates of violent and property crimes per capita.
Violent Crime in Milwaukee
Violent crime encompasses offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. In 2021, Milwaukee reported a staggering 15,937 violent crimes, equating to a rate of 1,586 per 100,000 residents. This rate far surpasses the national average of 366 per 100,000, and it is more than three times the state average of 472 per 100,000.
Milwaukee tops the charts in Wisconsin for its murder rate, with 189 homicides in 2021, translating to 19 per 100,000 residents. This number is over six times the national average of 3 per 100,000 and more than nine times the state average of 2 per 100,000. Milwaukee also contends with high rates of rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, ranking among the top five cities in Wisconsin for each of these categories.
Property Crime in Milwaukee
Property crime encompasses offenses like burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. In 2021, Milwaukee reported 31,075 property crimes, yielding a rate of 4,187 per 100,000 residents. This figure slightly exceeds the national average of 4,060 per 100,000 but falls just below the state average of 4,215 per 100,000.
Milwaukee also holds the distinction of having the highest motor vehicle theft rate in Wisconsin, with 7,414 incidents in 2021, equivalent to 789 per 100,000 residents.
This is more than three times the national average of 229 per 100,000 and more than four times the state average of 180 per 100,000. Additionally, Milwaukee contends with high rates of burglary and larceny-theft, securing a spot in the top ten cities in Wisconsin for each of these property crime categories.
Why is Milwaukee So Dangerous?
Several factors contribute to Milwaukee’s high crime rates:
Poverty: Milwaukee grapples with a poverty rate of 25.4%, more than double the national average of 10.5% and over triple the state average of 8.1%. Poverty is often associated with crime as individuals may resort to illegal activities to cope with their challenging circumstances.
Segregation: Milwaukee ranks among the most racially segregated cities in the United States, with significant disparities in living conditions and opportunities between white and black residents. This segregation can foster social isolation, discrimination, and resentment, all of which can contribute to violence and crime.
Gangs: Milwaukee faces a substantial gang problem, with an estimated 10,000 gang members belonging to over 130 different gangs. These groups are involved in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, robbery, extortion, and murder, perpetuating an environment of fear and intimidation among residents and rival gangs.
Drugs: Milwaukee serves as a major hub for drug trafficking and consumption in the Midwest. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), it functions as a source city for various illicit substances distributed throughout Wisconsin and neighboring states. Drug abuse and addiction can lead to health problems, mental disorders, and criminal behavior.
What is Being Done to Reduce Crime in Milwaukee?
Despite these grim statistics, Milwaukee is not without initiatives to combat crime and enhance safety:
Community Policing: The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) has adopted a community policing strategy, aiming to build trust and cooperation between law enforcement officers and residents. This approach involves engaging with the public through outreach programs, neighborhood meetings, problem-solving initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations, with an emphasis on crime prevention.
Violence Prevention: The City of Milwaukee has launched a violence prevention plan called “The Blueprint for Peace,” outlining six goals and 30 strategies to address the root causes and effects of violence in the city. This involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, faith leaders, businesses, schools, and healthcare providers. The plan also places importance on youth empowerment, trauma-informed care, and restorative justice.
Crime Reduction: The MPD has implemented various crime reduction initiatives targeting specific crime types and offenders. This includes the Homicide Review Commission, which analyzes homicide cases to identify patterns, trends, and risk factors. Additionally, the MPD has established a Robbery Task Force focusing on the identification and apprehension of serial robbers. Collaborations with the FBI, DEA, and other law enforcement agencies are in place to combat gang and drug-related crime.
Conclusion
Milwaukee holds the unsettling title of the most dangerous city in Wisconsin, marked by high rates of violent and property crimes per capita. Its challenges, including poverty, segregation, gang activity, and drug issues, contribute to its crime problem.
However, Milwaukee is actively working to combat these issues and improve safety through community policing, violence prevention, and crime reduction initiatives. The city possesses the potential to transform into a safer and more prosperous community, provided it can surmount its obstacles and leverage its strengths.